O U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G S
Fab Fitness Fads Military Training While fitness training has been around for a long, long time—think training soldiers for the Roman army, and the first Olympic games in ancient Greece—interestingly enough, the modern fitness culture may possibly be traced to the huge worldwide popularity of the Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise Plans, published in 1961. The RCAF exercises included arm circling and sit-ups, toe touches, jumping jacks, and other gentle exercises and were to be performed for eleven minutes a day and promoted as “ideal for both the champion athlete and the modern housewife.”
Jazzercise
Hula anyone? One of the earliest fitness crazes was developed around a simple invention… the Hula Hoop. Swung around the hips, neck or arms, the plastic hoop became a part of recreation programs in schools and at home. And at one time, the “Hula Hoop Song” by Georgia Gibbs even hit #32 on Billboard’s Top 100.
Jiggle it! At one point we were hopeful that those extra pounds could be jiggled away using the rather awkward and cumbersome vibrating belt machine, but alas, it was not to be! 14 PASSIONS | SPRING 2020
In the 70s, Jazzercize kicked off a lasting trend of choreographed exercises set to music, but when Jane Fonda entered the market with her signature workout book and videotapes, the fad transformed into a fitness phenomenon. And ever since there have been spin-offs like step and water aerobics, Belly Fit, Cardio Dance Club and the Latin-inspired Zumba programs.
